Katrina Campins is a Reality TV Veteran — and the Queen of Miami Real Estate
I recently caught up with the exceptionally hard to catch up with Katrina Campins. You might know her from hit shows like “Miami Social” and “The Apprentice — Season 1,” but Katrina is more than just a reality TV star. She is the founder of The Campins Company and is touted as one of the biggest names in luxury real estate, catering to top athletes, Hollywood stars, and other moguls. Katrina is a lethal — and, in her case, very successful — combination of beauty and brains.
During the interview, I gained a lot of insight about who Katrina really is; how she keeps a level head living in a Miami; her feelings about Donald Trump (I failed to ask her about his stunning coif); and, most importantly, the kind of men she is interested in. I’ll give you a hint, she doesn’t want a pretty boy, so to all you muffler-changing, hammer-swinging, shed-building, do-it yourselfers, you boys just might have a legit shot at wooing this gorgeous Miamian.
BroBible: You probably don’t know this, but we both went to The U. Are you as relieved as I am to finally see our football team escape the shackles of mediocrity?
Katrina Campins: ABSOLUTELY! I am very involved at the “U” therefore it is great to once again experience the unstoppable spirit and unwavering UM pride I so enjoyed during my days as a student. Remember: It’s ALWAYS about the “U.” Once a Hurricane always a Hurricane — nice to know we have such a tight bond.
BB: I also saw that you’ve thrown out a pitch at a Marlins game. Are you a big sports fan?
KC: While on “The Apprentice,” I was invited to throw a few pitches and it was fun. My last pitch at the Marlin’s game this year was particularly exciting since I was briefly prepared by the pitching coach and it actually helped! I am a HUGE sports fan. It is the world I feel most comfortable in. I love the intensity of the game and the thrill of the competition in a stadium’s atmosphere. I relate extremely well to the athletes, their wives, and families. I find that they are “real,” and I love the fact that they value the important things in life. Maybe I am biased since I love the industry yet I have been blessed with clients that have become close friends. I love dealing with the wives since they normally turn out to be very strong women of substance. Ultimately they are the ones I deal with during real estate transactions as well. I can honestly say that I have found my niche in a world I now love to live in — maybe it has something to do with a competitive edge of sorts.
BB: You recently went through a lot on national TV, how has your life changed since “Miami Social?”
KC: I would not say that I went through a lot recently. “Miami Social” was simply a venue where people saw more of my true self. The real challenge for me was “The Apprentice,” where I truly learned a great deal about me, the person, the human being, and the businesswoman.
I am an extremely driven individual with great dreams and visions I hope to accomplish in the near future. Having said that, I am a strong believer in the power of silence, which is why I will simply say that I plan to continue doing the many things I love since loving what you do is the only way you will ever be happy.
BB: Your profession is generally dominated by males how have you turned that in your favor?
KC: Being a woman in what continues to be a “Man’s World” is a challenge on its own. Knowledge, service, loyalty, confidentiality, and a true passion for my work are the key to my success. Licensed at the age of 18, as a college student I experienced great success in the world of real estate. I graduated from the University of Miami with general honors and a 4.0 grade point average, while majoring in International Finance & Marketing. The “U,” as we call it, had great student-athletes and once drafted into the NFL, I helped them with their real estate needs. This was really what kicked off the niche I now love and enjoy with great success. The Sports & Entertainment division within my company was formed in order to better serve the “A”-list roster of clientele consisting of celebrities, athletes, and entrepreneurs throughout the entire United States. Since 2005, I have had the pleasure of personally representing over 160 athletes and/or entertainers with all of their real estate needs.
BB: Are men in your business intimidated by a strong, independent woman like yourself?
KC: The word “Intimidating” has multiple meanings. A woman’s physical attractiveness, her character, her demeanor, and her accomplishments — all of that can be daunting to a man. Women with leadership gifts and the ability to encourage and motivate people to follow, coupled with strong personality, vivaciousness, and infectious enthusiasm, bright minds, and verbal prowess will undoubtedly make certain men uncomfortable. I am decisive and determined and maybe sometimes a bit aggressive but in this business you develop thick skin in order to succeed. I am actually much nicer and easier to talk to than people think as long as I am not in my business mode. Most people tell me they can’t believe how nice and down to earth I am. To be honest, I’m still always taken aback by this statement because I never equated success with the right to be rude and not treating others with respect. At the end of the day, we are all made of the same fabric. Peace is such a beautiful thing!
BB: What did your experience on “The Apprentice” teach you? Did “The Donald” ever make a pass?
KC: My life changed since my participation on “The Apprentice.” To elaborate a bit, I really went into “The Apprentice” for the life experience I knew it would provide. The challenge of inserting myself into a situation far outside of my comfort zone was exhilarating.
The one lesson I took away from “The Apprentice” was that of branding oneself. You have to stick out from the crowd. In order to succeed at branding yourself, you have to be bold, believe in yourself, and have positive energy. My mother always made me believe I could do anything, and so once I realized the power behind branding, I took it and ran with it. Donald Trump really is a genius of sorts, and a master at branding. He is always a gentleman — the one thing I love about him as well as his confidence and self-respect.
BB: Have you ever dated a “bro?” Would you?
KC: Love has no boundaries — you know that… and of course, then, there is the law of attraction! Need I say more?
BB: So would you date a younger guy?
KC: Age is relative, so yes! I’ve been told by my girlfriends that I am too young to be a cougar, so I believe the term would be a Puma! Ha-Ha. Overall, I like a man that is confident, unwavering, and a gentleman regardless of age. Oh, and tall!
BB: What do you think your sexiest attribute is?
KC: I would say that my sexiest attribute is my independence and my sense of self worth. I AM WHAT I AM — it is as simple as that!
BB: Where is your favorite place to party/eat on South Beach?
KC: There are quite a few places on South Beach I enjoy! The Forge is by far my favorite! Unique. Quaint. Exquisite.
How do you avoid the distractions/temptations on South Beach?
KC: Easy! You need to be in control and focused. Knowing what you want out of life and how to go about getting it helps!
BB: What’s the best way for a guy to get your attention at a bar/club?
KC: I hate when guys play games. I like straight shooters and chivalry is very important to me. I may be very independent but I like it when a man acts like a man!!! Side note: I like a MAN who can change a tire, knows how to use a hammer, and isn’t too pretty! In other words, a man’s man!
